Earlier in the session, Alex Salmond and Sir John Elvidge, Scotland's top civil servant, gave evidence into civil service co-operation and communication.

BBC: Scottish Affairs Committee

Mr Salmond noted that Finance Secretary John Swinney had acted strenuously to switch money from revenue to capital, thus boosting investment.

BBC: 'Playing the man, not the ball'

Mr Salmond's apology followed the Finance Secretary John Swinney's apology after the government was accused of misleading Parliament.

BBC: Scottish Parliament